Project Evaluation

The following is a brief evaluation summary of the project for future reference and consideration.

What worked?

• Specifically covering each of the eight themes (and referring to associated prompts) separately as was able to attain relevant information to address each in the key findings. • Workshop model was reasonably flexible to suit varying time frames and times of day and attendees enjoyed the format and activities. • Offering and providing presentations and/or club-based workshop sessions to community groups to promote the project and support contribution (follow up phone call beneficial). • Promotion and support through key stakeholders including library, Senior Citizens

Centre and Homecare • Having a longer period in Esperance to be available, flexible and engage all stakeholders.

What didn’t?

• Attempts to engage plus 55 reference group members prior to the engagement activities through the Senior Citizen’s Centre and other known contacts of the Shire were unsuccessful, however a few individuals did test the Survey and provided feedback. Once the engagement activities were underway and the project explained in person, several people came forward to provide feedback as a reference group.

Challenges

• There was often a sense of cynicism that nothing would come from the project, outcomes and/or report and as a result many people did not see any value in participating. • This project consultation period (including surveys) was just after completion of the Shire of Esperance’s Community Perceptions Survey which caused some confusion and a number of people thought they had already contributed. • Some potential participants advised that the qualitative survey approach was too complicated and deterred responses. • Most unfortunately, severe fatal bush fires had significantly impacted on the Esperance community and as such may have reduced people’s contributions as priorities were understandably elsewhere (occurring three quarters of the way through the survey period).

Suggestions for Improvement

• Recognising there was some free time between the scheduled engagement activities the coordinators looked at the potential of a shopping centre booth and display just prior to the engagement period. As this option took some coordination including risk management planning and Centre Manager approval, it was not possible in the time available. This may have contributed to wider promotion of the project.